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Study shows music industry impact in Tenn.

By The Associated Press

NASHVILLE — A new study shows that the music industry has an annual economic impact of nearly $9.7 billion on the Nashville region.

The study, conducted by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and expected to be released Monday by Mayor Karl Dean’s office, also says that the 27,000 jobs directly supported by the music industry and the additional 29,000 jobs with indirect ties to it account for more than $3.2 billion in income.

According to The Tennessean, the new numbers are significantly higher than those Belmont University and chamber researchers found in a 2006 study, which said the industry had a $6.4 billion economic impact and directly supported 19,000 jobs.

Dean and other officials said the chamber’s review was more comprehensive this time around.

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Longtime Tenn. lawmaker

Lois DeBerry passes away

NASHVILLE — State Rep. Lois DeBerry has died after a nearly five-year bout with pancreatic cancer.

Her nephew, Gary DeBerry, told The Associated Press that the 68-year-old Democrat died Sunday at a Memphis hospital surrounded by family and friends.

DeBerry was first elected in 1972. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only two other female lawmakers elected that year are currently serving.

DeBerry was the longest-serving member of the state House of Representatives and second-longest in the entire Tennessee General Assembly.

She was also the first female speaker pro tempore in the House and the second African-American woman to serve in the General Assembly.

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